The travel trade in Cebu are hoping that the US will lift its travel advisory levied against the region’s southern territories despite businesses being unaffected.
The US issued the warning two weeks ago due to risk of kidnappings in Dalaguete, Santander and at the popular tourist haunt of Sumilon Island.
But as high season approaches and with no incidents involving tourists since then, local businesses hope the advisory can be removed so that things can go back to normal.
Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort had to issue an official statement to assure the public that “the island remains safe from any threat”. The resort said that apart from its own security detail, the Philippine Coast Guard also maintains a detachment on the island.
The Philippine National Police has added personnel in tourist areas as well, while working with their counterparts in the armed forces, navy and airforce to further intensify security protocols.
Operators such as Southwind Travel and Tours have not received booking cancellations on pre-booked tours due to the US travel advisory, but needed to take extra precautionary measures, according to its general manager Syrah Queblatin.
Two days after the advisory was made, a group of 10 bikers from Switzerland decided to go ahead with their sojourn to Siquijor, including spending two nights in Oslob and Badian, both located in southern Cebu.
Queblatin said she had to communicate with the hotel and local security forces in southern Cebu to ensure their safety, but was worth doing so to make sure nothing untoward happens.
A group of five South Koreans also went on a day tour to Badian with Southwind and returned safe and sound.
Rajah Tours sales officer Carla Molina reported that there were no tour cancellations for them as well, and that the demand for destinations like Oslob and Badian were not affected. She added that two US clients have just spent a day in Badian fully aware of the travel advisory.
